Entertainment of Monday, 17 November 2014

Source: Nana Mensah

Yvonne Okoro and Efya unveiled as ambassadors for Head of State Awards

Versatile Ghanaian Actress and Producer, Yvonne Okoro and Singer Efya Awindor were last Friday November 14, 2014 unveiled as a brand Ambassadors for the Head of State Awards Scheme Ghana (Duke of Edinburgh International Award)at a cocktail reception at the Artist Alliance gallery in Accra.

The two young and talented celebrities will use their positions to advocate and serve as role models to young Ghanaians who enroll and participate in the Program.

They will act as spokespersons during award presentations as well as reach out to corporate Ghana and individuals to garner support for the development of young people in Ghana.

They were individually presented with Ambassadors pin and certificates by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, the National Patron of the award who also attended as the Special Guest of Honor for the event dubbed ‘The friends of Head of State Awards’ cocktail reception held annually to appreciate individuals who donate voluntarily to support the scheme’s programs.

The Executive Director of the Awards Scheme, Mr. Peter Akai Anum in a brief introductory speech stated that the two stars were chosen due to their positive influence on young people and the awards aim of reaching out to more young people as it prepares to celebrate fifty years in Ghana in 2017. He mentioned that a few other celebrities will be unveiled at a later date to help push the new phase of the Head of State Awards Scheme.

Yvonne Chinyere Okereke Okoro is an actress and a filmmaker. She received four Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs) with her self-produced film, The Contract, one Pan African Best Actress Award, Nigerian Excellence Award, Ghana Movie Award (GMA) Best Actress 2010 and numerous Best Actress nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

She also promotes humanitarian causes, and is noted for her work with underprivileged children, building a playground for special pupils at the Dzorwulu Special School in Accra, Ghana.

Jane Awindor who performs under the mononym "Efya", is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter and three time best female vocalist of the Ghana Music Awards.

Efya’s emergence on the music scene happened in 2006 when she auditioned and captured the runner-up slot in the Charterhouse produced "Stars of The Future Talent Hunt".Now signed on to One Nation Entertainment, Efya has played countless gigs averaging 2 or 3 appearances a week, performing with global artistes.

Eyfa also has collaborations with various West Africa entertainers. She also has to her credit "This Is Not The Album" or the “T.I.N.T.” a collection of released and unreleased songs.